Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Cadillac Catera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving the vehicle, the car stalled without cause. When we attempted to stop the car due to the car stall the car spun out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. This car has been subject to several stallouts while driving at various speeds since purchased in 2002. This vehicle also has problems with not starting when the car is completely filled with fuel. After being filled completely, the car will not start for several days. The vehicle also leaks antifreeze from the oil cooler at a rate of about 1 gallon per week. Cadillac acknowledges the problem but will not fix it.
Dt: problem began in November. While driving experienced a full system failure. The car would slowly slow down, dashboard panel would illuminate, and then the vehicle would shut off. Both through the engine and electronically. Took vehicle to dealer, who did system checking. Diagnosed a need for a new battery and engine flush. Battery was replaced and engine flushed. After this repair, 5 miles down the road while traveling 60 MPH ,the same thing occurred. Back to dealer, who was shocked and unable to determine, but noted a crank shaft and a cam sensor that needed to be replaced. Had them replaced. Left dealership and again same thing. Called Cadillac and filed complaint. Back to dealership, this time catalytic convertor. Failed. Afterwards, this again happened. Took back to dealer ,had no remedy. Had to buy another car because this car was inoperable.
While traveling an 8 mile trip to my mothers traveling at a speed of 45 miles per hour the speedometer just stopped working and the steering seemed to tighten up a little bit the next time I drove the car the steering was hard to maneuver and its almost as if the power steering is not functioning properly. I had the power steering looked at and it is fine the oil light is now on 24/7 but the oil level is fine and was just recently changed. This car should have never been produced by Cadillac it is nothing but a disgrace to the name.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Cadillac Catera. The contact was experiencing issues with the ABS locking. The failure also caused the speedometer to malfunction. The brakes worked intermittently. The dealer stated that the ABS repair would cost $2,000. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current mileage was 74,232 and failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Updated 08/04/09 the check engine light illuminated and the speedometer was not accurate. Updated 08/06/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated he parked in his driveway and noticed that the odometer shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that they had to replace the software in the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. The VIN number was not available.
Upon starting vehicle the key failed to turn in the ignition. Dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder 5 times, but the problem still persisted. Also, driver's side door made a cracking noise when it was opened or closed. Dealership lubed the doors attachment, but the noise still existed.
While driving instrument warning lights will illuminate, and vehicle will shut off, losing all power. Dealer has been contacted. Stalling of the vehicle while on highway resulting in accident. The vehicle was at dealership three times for brake work.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the ABS light illuminated and the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the brake and traction control module needed to be replaced. Updated 12/28/06.
My engine light came on and dealer can't seem to resolve it. They have replaced the fuel tank, fuel filter, bg44k, module, and the car's computer system. To no avail. I now have a "check engine" light and "gas cap" light on.
The crankshaft position sensor on my 2000 Catera was defective and caused the car to stall several times. This is a common problem on Catera's. It could be a safety problem if the car stalls on a freeway.
Electrical complaints in other Catera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Cadillac Catera?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Cadillac Catera, 36% of the model year's 67 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Cadillac Catera electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2000 Cadillac Catera. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Cadillac Catera electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.